What does Lakers’ trade for Patrick Beverley mean for future of Russell Westbrook, LA’s commitment to LeBron James?
With a month left until training camp for the 2022-23 season, the Lakers are looking to make the most of the offseason.
On Wednesday evening, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers acquired Patrick Beverley from the Jazz in exchange for Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson. While Beverley gives an edge to a Lakers team that missed the 2022 postseason, the trade could be a lot more than meets the eye.
With LeBron James signed for at least the 2023-24 season, the Beverley acquisition once again focuses on the bigger picture while improving the roster after a disappointing year.
Here’s everything you need to know about the trade itself and the flexibility it offers the Lakers.
Lakers jazz trade details
As noted above, the Lakers acquired Beverley for Horton-Tucker and Johnson, a 2-for-1 move that frees up a roster spot in LA.
The move doesn’t include any future draft picks, which matters for Los Angeles’ ability to negotiate with other teams.
- Lakers receive: Patrick Beverly
- Obtain Jazz: Talen Horton-Tucker, Stanley Johnson
Will the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook now?
Let’s address the elephant in the room.
As a result of a checkered history, Beverley and Westbrook don’t exactly like each other, and it’s fair to ask whether or not they’ll actually speak out as teammates in Los Angeles.
LA’s takeover of Beverly has led many to speculate whether it’s a move made with the idea that Westbrook’s days as a Laker are numbered. Adding to their longtime spat, both play the lead guard position, which, factoring in the return of Kendrick Nunn, makes for a crowded Lakers backseat.
The momentum has got the trading machines buzzing again.
Because the Lakers have retained their future first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, they have two valuable trade chips to tack on as a sweetener along with Westbrook’s expiring $47.0 million contract. But who bites?
With the Nets’ decision to retrace things with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Pacers have re-emerged as the most logical target for Westbrook, as a package from Buddy Hield and Myles Turner would both fill a significant need for LA and almost match the money -wise.
The Hield-Turner duo will earn $39.2 million combined next season, just $7.8 million less than Westbrook’s salary. Could the Lakers buy cheap on TJ McConnell, who missed 55 games last season and is set to make $8.1 million in the 2022-23 season?
It can appear how much in return for LA but the Pacers want to build for the future and splitting with 30 year old McConnell could be a step forward and worth getting picks that would mediate when LeBron is well into his 40s, as long as he’s still in the league.
MORE: Why Lakers are ‘hopeful’ Russell Westbrook will grow as a corner 3-point shooter
Impact on LeBron James’ future with the Lakers
James signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers, but that includes a player option for the 2024-25 season.
Essentially, James is firmly committed to LA for the next two seasons, with much still to be decided.
James’ upcoming player option gives him an opportunity to remain flexible and maximize his earning potential while putting pressure on the Lakers leadership to continue taking steps to improve the roster.
There is a two-year deadline for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office to convert the franchise back to contender status as James’ potential to continue will continue to pose a threat.
Skilled trades and bargain free agency signings will be key in building this team to compete for James, who remains a top 10 player in the league in his 20th season, capable of being the franchise player on a titular team .
MORE: How LeBron’s contract extension affects Lakers’ long-term plans
The Lakers’ financial flexibility
As ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted, the deal does a lot to free up potential cash for the Lakers.
Trade review
To LAL: P. Beverly ($13M)
LAL opens roster slot and financial flexibility in 2023-24 (could have up to $34 million in space)
To UTH: T. Horton-Tucker ($10.3M) and S. Johnson ($2.35M)
The Jazz manage a TE of $2.74M and have 15 guaranteed contracts.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) August 25, 2022
In addition to opening up a roster spot, Beverley’s $13.0 million contract expires at the end of the 2022-23 season, meaning the team could have up to $34 million in leeway in the next offseason, with James and Anthony Davis are both under contract for the 2023-24 campaign.
Irving, who was linked with the Lakers during this offseason, will be an unrestricted free agent in 2023, while Gary Trent Jr., a Klutch Sports client, has a player option for the 2023-24 season.
Other notable potential free agents include a host of former Lakers in Josh Hart (player option), Kyle Kuzma (player option), Larry Nance Jr. (unrestricted), and D’Angelo Russell (unrestricted).
MORE: How Lakers’ free-agent signings fit LeBron, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook
Lakers depth map
| Starter | Second | third | Fourth | |
| PG | Patrick Beverly | Kendrick Nunn | Scotty Pippen Jr. (two-way) | |
| SG | Russell Westbrook | Lonnie Walker IV | Max Christie | Javante McCoy |
| SF | Lebron James | Austin Reaves | Juan Toscano Anderson | |
| PF | Anthony Davis | Venyen Gabriel | Cole Swider (two-way) | Fabian Weiss Jr. |
| C | Thomas Bryant | Damien Jones | Jay Huff |